Giroux Out Indefinitely with Concussion

The Flyers star center man Claude Giroux is out indefinitely with a concussion. He sustained the injury in the 2nd period of the Tampa Bay game on Saturday when teammate Wayne Simmonds knee him the head while Giroux was on the ice on his knees poke checking the puck. Giroux is the 2nd Flyer with a concussion this month with Brayden Shenn, defense man Chris Pronger might have one as well.

Heisman Pick

1.Robert Griffin III
2.Andrew Luck
3.Trent Richardson
4.Tryon Mathieu
5.Montee Ball

2011-12 Bowl Matchups

New Mexico Bowl

Dec. 17: Wyoming vs. Temple, 2 p.m.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Dec. 17: Utah State vs. Ohio, 5:30 p.m.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Dec. 17: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. San Diego State, 9 p.m.

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl

Dec. 20: Florida International vs. Marshall, 8 p.m.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Dec. 21: Louisiana Tech vs. TCU, 8 p.m.

MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

Dec. 22: Boise State vs. Arizona State, 8 p.m.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Dec. 24: Southern Miss vs. Nevada, 8 p.m.

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

Dec. 26: North Carolina vs. Missouri, 5 p.m.

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Dec. 27: Purdue vs. Western Michigan, 4:30 p.m.

Belk Bowl

Dec. 27: N.C. State vs. Louisville, 8 p.m.

Military Bowl

Dec. 28: Toledo vs. Air Force, 4:30 p.m.

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

Dec. 28: Texas vs. California, 8 p.m.

Champs Sports Bowl

Dec. 29: Notre Dame vs. Florida State, 5:30 p.m.

Valero Alamo Bowl

Dec. 29: Baylor vs. Washington, 9 p.m.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Dec. 30: BYU vs. Tulsa, 12 p.m.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Dec. 30: Iowa State vs. Rutgers, 3:20 p.m.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Dec. 30: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State, 6:40 p.m.

Insight Bowl

Dec. 30: Iowa vs. Oklahoma, 10 p.m.

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

Dec. 31: Northwestern vs. Texas A&M, 12 p.m.

Hyundai Sun Bowl

Dec. 31: Georgia Tech vs. Utah, 2 p.m.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Dec. 31: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt, 3:30 p.m.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

Dec. 31: Illinois vs. UCLA, 3:30 p.m.

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Dec. 31: Virginia vs. Auburn, 7:30 p.m.

TicketCity Bowl

Jan. 2: Penn State vs. Houston, 12 p.m.

Outback Bowl

Jan. 2: Michigan State vs. Georgia, 1 p.m.

Capital One Bowl

Jan. 2: Nebraska vs. South Carolina, 1 p.m.

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl

Jan. 2: Ohio State vs. Florida, 1 p.m.

Rose Bowl presented by Vizio

Jan. 2: Oregon vs. Wisconsin, 5 p.m.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Jan. 2: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford, 8:30 p.m.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Jan. 3: Virginia Tech vs. Michigan, 8:30 p.m.

Discover Orange Bowl

Jan. 4: Clemson vs. West Virginia, 8:30 p.m.

AT&T Cotton Bowl

Jan. 6: Kansas State vs. Arkansas, 8 p.m.

BBVA Compass Bowl

Jan. 7: Pittsburgh vs. SMU, 1 p.m.

GoDaddy.com Bowl

Jan. 8: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois, 9 p.m.

BCS National Championship Game

Jan. 9: Alabama vs. LSU, 8:30 p.m.

BCS Bowl Matchups

National Championship

Jan. 9: Alabama vs. LSU, 8:30 p.m.

Discover Orange Bowl

Jan. 4: Clemson vs. West Virginia, 8:30 p.m.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Jan. 3: Virginia Tech vs. Michigan, 8:30 p.m.

Rose Bowl presented by Vizio

Jan. 2: Oregon vs. Wisconsin, 5 p.m.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Jan. 2: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford, 8:30 p.m.

Report: Reid Gone Unless He Fires Castillo

According to a report by Mike Florio the Eagles will fire head coach Andy Reid unless he fires Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo. According to Florio

"Per a league source, Reid’s future will hinge on his willingness to admit that it was a mistake to shift Juan Castillo from offensive line coach to defensive coordinator. If Reid concedes that he erred, and rectifies the blunder by firing Castillo, Reid will stay. If he refuses, Reid will be gone".

BCS Bowl Projections

BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

(1)LSU vs (2)Alabama

Orange Bowl

Clemson vs West Virgina

Sugar Bowl

Michigan vs Virgina Tech

Rose Bowl

Wisconsin vs Oregon

Fiesta Bowl

Oklahoma State vs Stanford

Flyers Roster for Winter Classic Alumni Gam

Forwards: Bill Barber, Bob Clarke, Jim Dowd, Orest Kindrachuk, Eric Lindros, Ken Linseman, Dave Poulin, Jeremy Roenick, Al Hill, Bob Kelly, John LeClair, Shjon Podein, Brian Propp, Reggie Leach, Mark Recchi, Rick Tocchet

Defensemen: Terry Carkner, Eric Desjardins, Larry Goodenough, Derian Hatcher, Mark Howe, Brad Marsh, Kjell Samuelsson, Chris Therien, Joe Watson

Goaltenders: Mark LaForest and Neil Little

Coaches: Pat Quinn (head coach), Mike Nykoluk and Keith Primeau (assistant coaches)

Ambassadors (not playing): Gary Dornhoefer, Bernie Parent, Dave Schultz

All Things Philly Sports: Flyers unveil 2012 Winter Classic Jerseys

All Things Philly Sports: Flyers unveil 2012 Winter Classic Jerseys

BCS Standings Week 13

1 LSU 11-0
2 Alabama 10-1
3 Arkansas 10-1
4 Oklahoma State 10-1
5 Virginia Tech 10-1
6 Stanford 10-1
7 Boise State 9-1
8 Houston 11-0
9 Oklahoma 8-2
10 Oregon 9-2

Phillies Acquire Ty Wigginton from Rockies

The Phillies have acquired utility man Ty Wigginton from the Rockies for cash or a player to be named later. Wigginton 34, hit 15 hr's and 47 rbi's for the Rockies last season. Ty Wigginton has played for the Mets, Pirates,Rays,Orioles,and the Rockies.

Projected BCS Standings

1.LSU
2.Alabama
3.Arkansas
4.Virgina Tech
5.Oklahoma State
6.Stanford
7.Houston
8.Boise State
9.Oregon
10.Michigan State

BCS Standings Week 12

1 LSU 10-0 .9933
2 Oklahoma State 10-0 .9642
3 Alabama 9-1 .9099
4 Oregon 9-1 .8755
5 Oklahoma 8-1 .8400
6 Arkansas 9-1 .7974
7 Clemson 9-1 .6935
8 Virginia Tech 9-1 .6755
9 Stanford 9-1 .6747
10 Boise State 8-1 .5959

Phillies Sign Closer Jonathon Papelbon

After having reportedly had a deal done with Ryan Madson and it fall through, the Phillies have signed former Red Sox all star closer Jonathon Papelbon to a 4 yr deal. The deal is reportedly worth 50 million dollars and has a vesting option that could make the deal worth 60 million dollars. Papelbon 30 and will turn 31 in November saved 31 games in 34 chances. Papelbon with the Red Sox won a World Series in 2007 and has been to 4 All Star Games. In his 6 year career Papelbon has saved 219 games in 248 chances.

Flyers Sign Braydon Coburn to a 4 Year Extension

Flyers defensemen Braydon Coburn has signed a 4 year, $18 million extension with the team. Coburn 26, has been with the team since they acquired him from Atlanta (now Winnipeg) for defensemen Alexei Zhitnik in February of 2007.

Phillies-Madson Deal Not Done Yet

The talks of the Phillies signing Ryan Madson to a 4 yr deal worth 44 million dollars might be a bit premature. Phillies CEO David Montgomery has not signed off on the deal and might be rethinking the deal. The Phillies have been also talking to former Red Sox closer Jonathon Papelbon also.

Phillies and Madson Agree To Deal

Phillies and closer Ryan Madson have agreed to a 4 yr 44 million dollar deal and a option for a 5th yr at 13 million dollars. Madson 31, had 32 saves. He posted a 2.37 ERA. This deal is pending approval from CEO David Montgomery.

Eagles Report Card

Offense C
Defense C-
Special Teams C+
Coaching:C-
Overall D

Phillies-Madson Talks Heating Up

The Phillies talks with free agent closer Ryan Madson are starting to heat up according to sources. The Phillies and Madson are currently exchanging proposals. Madson 31, had 32 saves last season in his first full year as the closer. The Phillies also have a plan B in Jonathon Papelbon the former Red Sox closer could be the chose if Madson and the Phillies do not come to a agreement. The Phillies have also had interest in Heath Bell and Joe Nathan.

BCS Standings Week 11

1.LSU
2.Oklahoma State
3.Alabama
4.Stanford
5.Boise State
6.Oklahoma
7.Oregon
8.Arkansas
9.Clemson
10.Virginia Tech

Projected BCS Standings

1.LSU
2.Oklahoma State
3.Alabama
4.Stanford
5.Boise State
6.Oklahoma
7.Arkansas
8.Oregon
9.Clemson
10.Virginia Tech

Phillies Interested in Twins Free Agent Michael Cuddyer

According to CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury the Phillies are in pursit of another former Minnesota Twin, Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer who will be 33 in March who make a lot of sense for the Phillies as he can play 1B until Howard gets back, platoon in the OF and even help out Polanco who could use a day off every once in a while. Cuddyer who hit .272 but crushed left handers at a avg of .311 would give the Phillies another right handed bat in a left handed lineup. Cuddyer hit 20 hr and had 70 rbi's last season. Cuddyer who is a type A free agent and the Twins will most likely offer him salary arbitration meaning the Phillies will have to give up a 1st round pick in return for his services.

Alabama-LSU Prediction

LSU over Alabama 23-21

Jim Thome to Sign with Phillies

Reportedly the Phillies will reunite with Jim Thome on a 1 yr deal, Thome 41, played with the Twins and Indians last season hitting 15 hr's combined. Thome who played with the Phillies from 2003-2005 hitting 96 hr's in that span he was traded to the White Sox in November of 2005 for Aaron Rowand to free up first base for Ryan Howard.

Eagles Report Card

Offense: A
Defense: A-
Special Teams B-
Coaching:A

MVP: LeSean McCoy RB Eagles

The BCS Standings

1.LSU
2.Alabama
3.Oklahoma State
4.Stanford
5.Boise State
6.Oklahoma
7.Arkansas
8.Oregon
9.South Carolina
10.Nebraska

My Top NCAA Top 10

1.LSU
2.Alabama
3.Oklahoma State
4.Clemson
5.Boise State
6.Stanford
7.Arkansas
8.Oregon
9.Oklahoma
10.Kansas State

NL Award Predictions

NL MVP- Matt Kemp Dodgers, .324 avg 39 HR's 126 rbi's
NL CY Young- Cliff Lee Phillies, 17-8 2.40 era 238 k's
NL Rookie of The Year- Craig Kimbrel Braves, 46/54 saves 2.10 era 127 k's
NL Manager of The Year- Kurt Gibson Diamondbacks, lead the Diamondbacks to a 94-68 record and a NL West crown.

AL Awards Predictions

AL MVP:Jose Bautista RF Blue Jays .302 avg 43 hr 103 rbi's
AL CY Young:Justin Verlander SP Tigers 24-5 2.40 era 250 K's
AL Rookie of The Year:Jeremy Hellickson SP Rays 13-10 2.95 era 117 k's
AL Manager of The Year:Joe Maddon Rays lead them to a 91-71 record and a AL Wild Card Championship.

NLDS Predictions

Phillies in 4 over Cardinals
DBacks in 5 over Brewers

ALDS Predictions

Tigers in 5 over Yankees
Rays in 5 over Rangers

Phillies NLDS Schedule

Game 1 @Phillies Saturday October 1st 5:27pm
Game 2 @Phillies Sunday October 2nd 8:27pm
Game 3 @Cardinals Tuesday October 4th TBD
*Game 4 @Cardinals Wednesday October 5th TBD
*Game 5 @Phillies Friday October 7th TBD

*IF NEEDED ALL GAMES ON TBS

NCAA Power Rankings Top 15

1.LSU
2.Oklahoma
3.Alabama
4.Oklahoma State
5.Stanford
6.Boise State
7.Nebraska
8.Wisconsin
9.South Carolina
10.Clemson
11.Florida
12.Virginia Tech
13.Oregon
14.Baylor
15.South Florida

NFL Power Rankings Top 10

1.Packers (3-0)
2.Saints (2-1)
3.Bills (3-0)
4.Patriots(2-1)
5.Lions (3-0)
6.Raiders (2-1)
7.Steelers(2-1)
8.Ravens (2-1)
9.Jets (2-1)
10.Texans (2-1)

3 Wrong Choices vs Giants

1.Going for it near midfield on 4th and 1 late in the game-they should of punted the ball and made the Giants march the length of the field instead of half of it.

2.Micheal Vick running the ball twice on the goaline- they should not of put Vick in that position with him having the concussion they should of used McCoy or Brown, or tried a play action pass.

3.Going long on the first play with backup QB Mike Kafka- on the first play with your second year QB you deep, run the ball.

Micheal Vick Hand Not Broken

Andy Reid announced today that Mike Vick's hand is not broken and could play Sunday vs the 49ers if swelling goes down. They did a scan on his right hand today and it should a blood vessel on top of the bone not a break. Vick has a bruise on that right hand.

NFL Picks of Week One

EAGLES over Rams
Steelers over Ravens
Falcons over Bears
Browns over Bengals
Texans over Colts
Titans over Jags
Chiefs over Bills
Lions over Buccaneers
Cardinals over Panthers
Chargers over Vikings
49ers over Seahawks
Redskins over Giants
Jets over Cowboys
Patriots over Dolphins
Broncos over Raiders

Upset of The Week
Redskins over Giants

Lock of The Week
Patriots over Dolphins

Super Bowl Prediction

Eagles over Jets

NFC Playoff Predictons

Byes
(1) Packers
(2) Eagles

Wild Card Round

(3)Saints over (6) Bears
(5)Falcons over (4)Rams

Divisional Round

(1)Packers over (5)Falcons
(2)Eagles over (3)Saints

NFC Championship Game
(2)Eagles over (1) Packers

NFC MVP: Aaron Rodgers QB, Packers
NFC Defensive MVP: Nnnamdi Asomugha,CB Eagles
NFC Rookie of The Year: Patrick Peterson CB Cardinals
NFC Coach of The Year: Andy Reid

NCAA Picks of The Week

(1) Oklahoma over Tulsa
(2) Alabama over Kent State
(3) Oregon over (4)LSU
(19)Georgia over (5)Boise State
(6) Florida State over Louisiana Monroe
(7) Stanford over San Jose State
(8) Texas A&M over Southern Methodist
(9) Oklahoma State over Louisiana-Lafayette
(10) Nebraska over Chattanooga
(12) South Carolina over East Carolina
(13) Virgina Tech over Appalachian State
(15) Arkansas over Missouri State
(16) Notre Dame over South Florida
(18) Ohio State over Akron
(21) Missouri over Miami (OH)
(22) Florida over Florida Atlantic
(23) Auburn over Utah State
(24) West Virgina over Marshall
(25) USC over Minnesota
UCLA over Houston
Ole Miss over BYU
Boston College over Northwestern
Penn State over Indiana State

Lock of The Week
(16) Notre Dame over South Florida

Upset of The Week
(19)Georgia over (5)Boise State

NCAA Predictions

Champions-(BCS CONFERENCES)
ACC -Florida State
Big East- West Virgina
Big Ten- Nebraska
Big 12- Oklahoma
SEC- Alabama
PAC 12- Stanford

Non BCS qualifier - Boise State

BCS Championship Game-

Oklahoma vs Alabama

NFC East Predictions

1.Eagles
2.Cowboys
3.Giants
4.Redskins

Best QB:Micheal Vick,Eagles
Best RB:Lesean McCoy,Eagles
Best WR:Desean Jackson,Eagles
Best Defense:Eagles
Best Coach:Andy Reid,Eagles
Best Rookie,Prince Amukamara,Giants

NFC South Predictions

1.Saints
2.Falcons*
3.Buccaneers
4.Panthers

Best QB:Drew Brees,Saints
Best RB:Micheal Turner,Falcons
Best WR:Marques Colston,Saints
Best Defense:Saints
Best Coach:Sean Payton,Saints
Best Rookie:Julio Jones,Falcons

*wildcard

NFC North Predictons

1.Packers
2.Bears*
3.Lions
4.Vikings

Best QB:Aaron Rodgers,Packers
Best RB:Adrian Peterson,Vikings
Best WR:Calvin Johnson,Lions
Best Defense:Packers and Lions
Best Coach:Mike McCarthy,Packers
Best Rookie:Nick Fairley,Lions

*wildcard

NFC West Predictions

1.Rams
2.Seahawks
3.49ers
4.Cardinals

Best QB:Sam Bradford,Rams
Best RB:Steven Jackson,Rams
Best WR:Larry Fitzgerald,Cardinals
Best Defense:Rams
Best Rookie:Patrick Peterson CB Cardinals
Best Coach: Steve Spagnuolo,Rams

AFC Playoffs and Awards Preseason Picks

AFC Wildcard Round
(1)Patriots-Bye
(2)Chargers-Bye
(6)Steelers over (3) Texans
(4)Jets over(5)Ravens
AFC Divisional Playoffs
(1)Patriots over (6)Steelers
(4)Jets over (2)Chargers
AFC Conference Championship Game
(4)Jets over (1)Patriots
AFC MVP-Tom Brady QB, Patriots
AFC Defensive MVP-Troy Polamalu S,Steelers
AFC Coach of Year-Rex Ryan, Jets
AFC Comeback Player of Year-Albert Hayneswerth DT Patriots
AFC Rookie Of Year-Von Miller LB, Broncos

AFC East Predictions

1.Patriots
2.Jets*
3.Dolphins
4.Bill
Best QB:Tom Brady,Patriots
Best RB:Ben Jarvis Green Ellis,Patriots
Best WR:Santonio Holmes, Jets
Best Defense:Jets
Best Coach:Bill Belichick, Patriots
*wildcard

AFC South Predictions

1.Texans
2.Colts
3.Titans
4.Jaguars
Best QB:Peyton Manning,Colts
Best RB:Arian Foster,Texans and Chris Johnson,Titans
Best WR:Andre Johnson,Texans
Best Defense:Colts
Best Coach:Jim Caldwell,Colts

AFC North Predictions

1.Steelers
2.Ravens*
3.Browns
4.Bengals

Best QB:Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
Best RB:Ray Rice, Ravens
Best WR:Hines Ward,Steelers
Best Coach:Mike Tomlin,Steelers
Best Defense:Ravens and Steelers

*wildcard

Eagles Sign Micheal Vick to 6 yr Deal

The Eagles signed QB Micheal Vick to a 6 yr 100 million dollar deal on Monday. The QB had 3,018 yards passing and 21 passing TD's he also adds 676 yards rushing and 9 rushing TD's last season. Vick took over for Kolb after he got a concussion in the opener versus the Packers.

Top Ten RB's in NFL

1.Adrian Peterson, Vikings
2.Chris Johnson, Titans
3.Arian Foster, Texans
4.Micheal Turner,Falcons
5.Jammal Charles,Chiefs
6.Steven Jackson,Rams
7.Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
8.Ray Rice,Ravens
9.Lesean McCoy,Eagles
10.Frank Gore, 49ers

Philles (82-44) vs Mets (60-67)

1.Shane Victorino CF (.250 avg vs Niese)
2.Placido Polanco 3B (.389 avg vs Niese)
3.Chase Utley 2B (.286 avg vs Niese)
4.Hunter Pence RF (.125 avg vs Niese)
5.John Mayberry JR 1B(.273 avg vs Niese)
6.Ben Francisco LF (.100 avg vs Niese)
7.Wilson Valdez SS (.353 avg vs Niese)
8.Brian Schneider C (Never faced Niese)
9.Vance Worley P

Worley (8-1 2.76 era 2-1 vs Mets)

vs

Niese (11-10 4.05 era 2-2 vs Phillies)

AFC West Predictions

1.Chargers
2.Chiefs
3.Raiders
4.Broncos

Best QB:Phillip Rivers SD Chargers
Best RB:Darren McFadden Oakland Raiders
Best WR:Dwayne Bowe Kansas City Chiefs
Best defense: Kansas City Chiefs
Best Coach: Norv Turner SD Chargers

Top Ten QB's in NFL

1.Tom Brady NE
2.Peyton Manning IND
3.Drew Brees NO
4.Aaron Rodgers GB
5.Ben Roethisberger PIT
6.Phillip Rivers SD
7.Micheal Vick PHI
8.Matt Schaub HOU
9.Josh Freeman TB
10.Matt Ryan ATL

Phillies Sign Top Pick Larry Greene

The Phillies have signed their top pick in June's MLB Draft Larry Greene a high school outfielder from Georgia Greene who is only 18 hit .562 with 11 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 52 RBIs, 58 runs scored and 13 stolen bases this season for his high school team.

3 Winners From The Trade Deadline

1.Phillies-Hunter Pence RF,-The Phillies got their man and got him without giving up OF prospect Domionic Brown or RHP Vance Worley. They did have to get up thieir top 2 prospect in the minors in 1B Jonathon Singleton and pitcher Jared Cosart but it may be well worth it if they win a World Series this season. The other big thing is that Hunter Pence is under team control for the next 2 seasons after this one.
2.Rangers-Koji Uehara P, Mike Adams P,-The Rangers turned a need into a strength with the aqustions of Uehara and Adams two great relief pitchers. The Orioles got back SP Tommy Hunter and 1B Chris Davis and the Padres got two SP prospects who many think can be up in the majors next season in Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland.
3.Mets- Zach Wheeler P, The Mets did not gain anybody in their trades but they did in what they lost they gained in trading pitcher Fransico Rodriguez and OF Carlos Beltran traded a lot money off their team and they are a team who needed salary relief. They did get Zach Wheeler who was the Giants best pitching prospect.

Upcoming Phillies Pitching Matchups

@Rockies Monday 8:40pm Hamels vs Chacin
@Rockies Tuesday 8:40pm Kendrick vs Cook
@Rockies Wednesday 3:10pm Halladay vs Hammel
@Giants Thursday 10:15pm Lee vs Bumgarner
@Giants Friday 10:15pm Worley vs Zito

Desean Jackson To End Holdout

According to WPVI Eagles WR Desean Jackson will end his holdout either Monday or Tuesday.

Phillies Roster Moves

The Phillies sent down right-hander Drew Carpenter to Lehigh Valley to make room on the roster for right fielder Hunter Pence, Dom Brown was sent to Lehigh Valley to make room for Polanco who was activated off the DL today.

Eagles Sign DL Cullen Jenkins

The moves just keep on coming as the Eagles have signed former Packer DL Cullen Jenkins to a 5 year deal. Jenkins who has played his whole 7 yr career in Green Bay had played in 11 games and had 7 sacks. In signing Jenkins the Eagles have traded former first round pick DT Brodrick Bunkley to the Browns for a 5th round pick in 2012. The Eagles yesterday also signed TE Donald Lee from the Packers and WR/KR Johnny Lee Higgins from the Raiders both deals for 1 yr.

Phillies Acquire Hunter Pence From The Astros

The Phillies got their man, the Phillies have traded for Houston Astros outfielder Hunter Pence for prospects 1B Jonathon Singleton pitcher Jarred Cosart, and pitcher Josh Zield and a player to be named later. The Phillies will get cash in the deal also. Pence is hitting .309 11 HR's and 62 RBI's this season.

The Eagles Have Signed CB Nnamdi Asomugha To a 5 Year Deal

Well here is one to the all the people who said the Eagles where not doing anything can be quiet now the Philadelphia Eagles have signed CB Nnamdi Asomugha to a 5 yr deal worth 60 million dollars. Nnamdi the former Oakland Raider is the best corner on the market and probably in the league. Nnamdi is one of the least thrown to CB in the league and is a great tackler.

The Eagles Have Traded QB Kevin Kolb Finally to Cardinals

The wait is over the Eagles have traded QB Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals for CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie had 44 tackles and 3 INT's last season.

Eagles Sign DE Jason Babin

The Eagles made their first move in free agent pool this morning as they signed former Titan DE Jason Babin to a 5 yr deal. Babin who had 12.5 sacks last season was an Philadelphia Eagle in 2009. Jason Babin reunites with Jim Washburn who is the D line coach last season with the Titans has the same job with the Eagles this season.

Flyers Sign Max Talbot

The Flyers have signed center Max Talbot to a 5 year $9 million dollar deal. Talbot is a character guy and is a great locker room guy. He scored 8 goals last season. He played with the hated Penguins last season.

Flyers Sign Jaromir Jagr

The Flyers have signed RW Jaromir Jagr to a 1 year $3.3 million. Jagr 39, had played the last 3 years with a club in the KHL in Russia scored 19 goals last season. He was last seen in the NHL in 2007-2008 with the New York Rangers scoring 25 goals.

With The 8th Pick The Flyers Select Sean Couturier

Phillies Moves Made Today

Today the Phillies put SP Roy Oswalt on the 15-day DL, sent C Dane Sardina down and brought back Brian Schneider from the 15-day DL. They also gave LHP J.C. Romero his unconditional release.

2011-2012 Flyers Schedule

Thursday, Oct. 6: at Boston, 7
Saturday, Oct. 8: at New Jersey, 7
Wednesday, Oct. 12: Vancouver, 7:30
Saturday, Oct. 15: Los Angeles, 7
Tuesday, Oct. 18: at Ottawa, 7:30
Thursday, Oct. 20: Washington, 7
Saturday, Oct. 22: St. Louis, 7
Monday, Oct. 24: Toronto, 7
Wednesday, Oct. 26: at Montreal, 7
Thursday, Oct. 27: Winnipeg, 7
Saturday, Oct. 29: Carolina, 7
Wednesday, Nov. 2: at Buffalo, 7:30
Thursday, Nov. 3: New Jersey, 7
Saturday, Nov. 5: Columbus, 7
Wednesday, Nov. 9: at Tampa Bay, 7:30
Sunday, Nov. 13: at Florida, 5
Monday, Nov. 14: at Carolina, 7
Thursday, Nov. 17: Phoenix, 7
Saturday, Nov. 19: at Winnipeg, 3
Monday, Nov. 21: Carolina, 7
Wednesday, Nov. 23: at N.Y. Islanders, 7
Friday, Nov. 25: Montreal, 1
Saturday, Nov. 26: at N.Y. Rangers, 1
Friday, Dec. 2: at Anaheim, 10
Saturday, Dec. 3: at Phoenix, 8
Wednesday, Dec. 7: at Buffalo, 7:30
Thursday, Dec. 8: Pittsburgh, 7
Saturday, Dec. 10: Tampa Bay, 7
Tuesday, Dec. 13: at Washington, 7
Thursday, Dec. 15: at Montreal, 7:30
Saturday, Dec. 17: Boston, 1
Monday, Dec. 19: at Colorado, 9
Wednesday, Dec. 21: at Dallas, 7:30
Friday, Dec. 23: at N.Y. Rangers, 7
Tuesday, Dec. 27: at Tampa Bay, 7:30
Thursday, Dec. 29: at Pittsburgh, 7
Monday, Jan. 2: N.Y. Rangers, 1
Thursday, Jan. 5: Chicago, 7
Saturday, Jan. 7: Ottawa, 1
Sunday, Jan. 8: at Ottawa, 5
Tuesday, Jan. 10: at Carolina, 7
Thursday, Jan. 12: at N.Y. Islanders, 7
Saturday, Jan. 14: at Nashville, 8
Tuesday, Jan. 17: Minnesota, 7
Thursday, Jan. 19: N.Y. Islanders, 7
Saturday, Jan. 21: at New Jersey, 1
Sunday, Jan. 22: Boston, 12:30
Tuesday, Jan. 24: at Florida, 7:30
Sunday, Jan. 29: All-Star Game ( at Ottawa)
Tuesday, Jan. 31: Winnipeg, 7
Thursday, Feb. 2: Nashville, 7
Saturday, Feb. 4: New Jersey, 1
Sunday, Feb. 5: at N.Y. Rangers, 1
Tuesday, Feb. 7: N.Y. Islanders, 7
Thursday, Feb. 9: Toronto, 7
Saturday, Feb. 11: N.Y. Rangers, 1
Sunday, Feb. 12: at Detroit, 12:30
Thursday, Feb. 16: Buffalo, 7
Saturday, Feb. 18: Pittsburgh, 1
Tuesday, Feb. 21: at Winnipeg, 8:30
Thursday, Feb. 23: at Edmonton, 9:30
Saturday, Feb. 25: at Calgary, 10
Tuesday, Feb. 28: at San Jose, 10:30
Thursday, March 1: N.Y. Islanders, 7
Sunday, March 4: at Washington, 12:30
Tuesday, March 6: Detroit, 7
Thursday, March 8: Florida, 7
Saturday, March 10: at Toronto, 7
Sunday, March 11: at New Jersey, 7
Tuesday, March 13: New Jersey, 7
Thursday, March 15: at N.Y. Islanders, 7
Saturday, March 17: at Boston, 1
Sunday, March 18: Pittsburgh, 12:30
Tuesday, March 20: Florida, 7
Thursday, March 22: Washington, 7
Saturday, March 24: Montreal, 7
Monday, March 26: Tampa Bay, 7
Thursday, March 29: at Toronto, 7
Saturday, March 31: Ottawa, 1
Sunday, April 1: at Pittsburgh, 12:30
Tuesday, April 3: N.Y. Rangers, 7
Thursday, Aprul 5: Buffalo, 7
Saturday, April 7: at Pittsburgh, 12:30

With The 50th Pick The Sixers Pick Lavoy Allen

With The 16th Pick The Sixers Pick Nikola Vucevic

New Flyer:Ilya Bryzgalov

New Flyer: Brayden Schenn

Breaking News The Flyers Have Signed Bryzgalov 9 years, $51m.

More news from the Flyers the Flyers have signed goalie Ilya Bryzgalov 9 year 51 million dollar deal.

New Flyer: Wayne Simmonds

New Flyer: Jakub Vorachek

Breaking News The Flyers Trade Mike Richards to Los Angeles

The Flyers are really busy Mike Richards to LA for center Brayden Schenn the Kings top prospect, and winger Wayne Simmonds who scored 14 goals last season.

Breaking News The Flyers Trade Jeff Carter to Columbus

The Flyers will get the Blue Jackets 2011 1st round pick (8th overall), Jakub Voracek, and a 3rd round pick for Jeff Carter. Jakub Voracek a right winger who scored 14 goals last season is only 21 years old. This makes a lot of cap room for signing goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who is reportedly looking for a seven-year, $50 million deal. Jeff Carter signed a 11 yr deal in 2010 with the Flyers.

5 Players to Watch for The 1st Round Pick for The Sixers

5.Markieff Morris F Kansas

5 Players to Watch for The 1st Round Pick for The Sixers

4.Donatas Motiejunas PF/C Lithuania

5 Players to Watch for The 1st Round Pick for The Sixers

3.Bismack Biyombo C, Congo

5 Players to Watch for The 1st Round Pick for The Sixers

2.Jordan Hamilton SF Texas


Prediction from: ESPN.com Chad Ford

5 Players to Watch for The 1st Round Pick for The Sixers

1.Nikola Vucevic PF/C USC, Junior


Prediction from draftexpress.com

Juan Perez to Join Phillies From Iron Pigs

Lefty reliever Juan Perez will join the Phillies bullpen tomorrow. No corresponding move has been made yet but it seems Jose Contreras will be placed on the 15 day DL. Juan Perez in 28 games he 0-3 with a 3.52 era in 30.2 innings he will join Antonio Bastardo as the 2 lefties in the pen after the let go J.C. Romero last week.

With The 39th Pick The Phillies Select OF Larry Greene

The Phillies chose outfielder Larry Greene with their 1st in the 2011 MLB Draft.

The Week Ahead for The Phillies

Phillies (35-24)

vs Dodgers June 6th Lee vs Lilly 7pm
vs Dodgers June 7th Oswalt vs De La Rosa 7pm
vs Dodgers June 8th Hamels vs Kuroda 7pm
vs Cubs June 9th TBD vs Wells 7pm
vs Cubs June 10th Halladay vs Zambrano 7pm
vs Cubs June 11th Lee vs Garza 4pm
vs Cubs June 12th Oswalt vs R.Lopez 1:30pm

This Week in The NL East

STANDINGS

Phillies 35-24
Marlins 31-26 3.0 gms out
Braves 32-28 3.5 gms out
Mets 28-31 7.0 gms out
Nationals26-33 9.0 gms out

Phillies (7 games) 3 vs Dodgers (28-32) 4 vs Cubs (23-34)
Marlins (7 games) 1 vs Brewers (33-26) 3 vs Braves(32-28) 3 vs Diamondbacks (33-27)
Braves (7 games) 3 vs Marlins (31-26) 4 @Astros (23-37)
Mets (7 games) 3 @Brewers (33-26) 4@Pirates (28-30)
Nationals(7 games) 3 @Giants (33-26) 4@Padres (27-33)

The Week Ahead for The Phillies

@Washingtion Cliff Lee (4-4, 3.50 era) vs Jason Marquis (5-2, 4.26 era) 7:05pm Tuesday
@Washingtion Roy Oswalt (3-2, 2.60 era) vs Jon Lannan (2-5, 4.40 era) 1:05pm Wednesday
OFF THURSDAY
@Pittsburgh Cole Hamels (7-2, 3.01 era) vs Jeff Karstens (3-4, 3.58 era) 7pm Friday
@Pittsburgh Roy Halladay(7-3, 2.56 era) vs Charlie Morton (5-2, 2.51 era) 7pm Saturday
@Pittsburgh Cliff Lee (4-4, 3.50 era) vs James McDonald (3-3, 5.23 era) 1pm Sunday

Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

Vancouver over Boston in 6 games.

NBA Finals Prediction

Heat over Mavs in 7 games

Phillies Pitching Matchups vs Mets

Friday 7pm Oswalt vs Capuano
Saturday 7pm Hamels vs Pelfrey
Sunday 1pm Worley vs Niese

NBA Eastern Conference Final Prediction

Chicago Bulls over Miami Heat in 7

Top 5 2011 NHL Free Agent Defensemen

1.Tomas Kaberle, Boston Bruins
2.Joni Pitkanen, Carolina Hurricanes
3.Eric Brewer, Tampa Bay Lightning
4.Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens
5.Ed Jovanovski, Phoenix Coyotes

2011 NHL Free Agent Goalies Top 5

1.Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
2.Tomas Vokoun, Florida Panthers
3.Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Toronto Maple Leafs
4.Mike Smith, Tampa Bay Lightning
5.Pascal Leclaire,Ottawa Senators

NHL Western Conference Final Predictions

Vancouver over San Jose in 6

NHL Eastern Conference Final Prediction

Tampa Bay over Boston in 7

The Eagles 3rd Day Picks

With their 4th round pick the Philadelphia Eagles took Casey Matthews LB Oregon the brother of Packers LB Clay Matthews





With their 2nd 4th round pick the Philadelphia Eagles took kicker Alex Henery out of Nebraska.





With their 5th round pick they took Dion Lewis (RB) Pittsburgh





With their other 5th round pick they took Julian Vandervelde (OG) Iowa



With their first 6th round pick they took Jason Kelce (C) Cincy



With their other 6th round pick they took Brian Rolle (OLB) Ohio St



With their first 7th round pick they took Greg Lloyd (ILB) UConn
Then with their last pick they took FB Stanley Havili USC

The Eagles 2nd and 3rd Round Picks

With their 2nd round pick (54 overall) Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett here is video on
Jaiquawn Jarrett.



Then with their 3rd round pick (90 overall) they took cornerback Curtis Marsh out of Utah State here is the video on Curtis Marsh.

With The 23rd Pick The Eagles Take Danny Watkins

With the 23rd pick the Eagles selected Danny Watkins guard Baylor. Here are some videos about Danny.

Shaun's 2011 NFL Mock Draft

1.Carolina Panthers-Cam Newton QB Auburn
2.Denver Broncos- Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
3.Buffalo Bills-Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
4.Cincinnati Bengals-A.J. Green WR Georgia
5.Arizona Cardinals-Patrick Peterson CB LSU
6.Cleveland Browns-Julio Jones WR Alabama
7.San Francisco 49ers-Blanie Gabbert QB Missouri
8.Tennessee Titans-Nick Fairley DT Auburn
9.Dallas Cowboys-Tyron Smith OT USC
10.Washington Redskins-Robert Quinn DE UNC
11.Houston Texans-Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
12.Minnesota Vikings-J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin
13.Detroit Lions-Corey Liuget DT Illinois
14.St.Louis Rams-Anthony Catonzo OT Boston College
15.Miami Dolphins-Mike Pouncey OL Florida
16.Jacksonville Jaguars-Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
17.New England Patriots-Cameron Jordan DE Cal
18.San Diego Chargers-Aldon Smith DE Missouri
19.New York Giants-Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
20.Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
21.Kansas City Chiefs-Nate Solder OT Colorado
22.Indianapolis Colts-Muhammad Wilkerson DE Temple
23.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES-JIMMY SMITH CB COLORADO
24.New Orleans Saints-Mark Ingram RB Alabama
25.Seattle Seahawks-Jake Locker QB Washingtion
26.Baltimore Ravens-Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
27.Atlanta Falcons-Brooks Reed DE Arizona
28.New England Patriots-Danny Watkins OG Baylor
29.Chicago Bears-Jonathan Baldwin WR Pittsburgh
30.New York Jets-Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
31.Pittsburgh Steelers-Bruce Carter OLB UNC
32.Green Bay Packers-Aaron Williams CB Texas

NHL Eastern Conference Semi-Final Predictions

(1)Washington Capitals over (5)Tampa Bay Lightning in 6
(2)Philadelphia Flyers over (3)Boston Bruins in 6

NHL Western Conference Semi-Final Predictions

(1)Vancouver Canucks over (5)Nashville Predators in 6
(2)San Jose Sharks over (3) Detroit Redwings in 7

Flyers Second Round Schedule

Game 1 @Flyers Saturday April 30th 3:05pm NBC
Game 2 @Flyers Monday May 2nd 7:35pm VS
Game 3 @Bruins Wednesday May 4th 7:05pm VS
Game 4 @Bruins Friday May 6th 8:05pm CSN
Game 5 @Flyers Sunday May 8th 3:05pm NBC*
Game 6 @Bruins Tuesday May 10th TBD CSN*
Game 7 @Flyers Thursday May 12th TBD CSN*

Five Players The Eagles Might Pick in The First Round in NFL Draft

1.Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
2.Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
3.Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
4.Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
5.Mike Pouncey OL Florida

Flyers Beat Sabres 5-2 in Game 7

Dan's 2011 Mock NFL Draft

NFL Draft 2011

1 Panthers Cam Newton

2.Broncos Marcell Dareus

3.Bills Von Miller

4.Bengals Blaine Gabbert

5.Cardinals Robert Quinn

6.Browns A.J Green

7.49ers Patrick Peterson

8.Titans Nick Fairley

9.Cowboys Tyron Smith

10. Redskins Jake Locker

11.Texans Aldon Smith

12.Vikings Prince Amukamara

13.Lions Anthony Castonzo

14.Rams Julio Jones

15.Dolphins Ryan Mallet

16.Jaguars Colin Kapernick

17.Patriots Ryan Kerrigan

18.Chargers J.J. Watt

19.Giants Gabe Carimi

20 Bucs :Da’ Quan Bowers

21.Chiefs Mike Pouncey

22.Colts Derek Sherrod

23.EAGLES:Jimmy Smith

24.Saints Corey Liuget

25.Seahawks Jabaal Sherod

26.Ravens Brooks Reed

27.Falcons Danny Watkins

28.Patriots Cameron Jordon

29.Bears Marvin Austin

30.Jets Akeem Ayers

31.Steelers Phil Taylor

32.Packers MUHAMMAD WILKERSON

2011 Philadelphia Eagles Schedule

Sunday, September 11 at St. Louis 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, September 18 at Atlanta 8:20 pm NBC*
Sunday, September 25 NY Giants 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, October 2 San Francisco 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, October 9 at Buffalo 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, October 16 at Washington 1:00 pm FOX
Sunday, October 23 BYE
Sunday, October 30 Dallas 8:20 pm NBC*
Monday, November 7 Chicago 8:30 pm ESPN*
Sunday, November 13 Arizona 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, November 20 at NY Giants 8:20 pm+ NBC*
Sunday, November 27 New England 4:15 pm+ CBS*
Thursday, December 1 at Seattle 8:20 pm NFLN*
Sunday, December 11 at Miami 1:00 pm+ FOX
Sunday, December 18 NY Jets 4:15 pm+ CBS*
Saturday, December 24 at Dallas 4:15 pm FOX*
Sunday, January 1 Washington 1:00 pm+ FOX

Eagles opponents are 129-127 that is 17th hardest the league.
The Eagles will travel 13,276 miles.
This schedule might change due to the lockout.

76ers First Round Playoff Schedule

Game 1 @Miami Saturday April 16th 3:30pm ABC
Game 2 @Miami Monday April 18th 7pm TNT
Game 3 @Philadelphia Thursday April 21st TBD TNT
Game 4 @Philadelphia Sunday April 24th 1pm ABC
Game 5 @Miami Wednesday April 27th TBD *
Game 6 @Philadelphia Friday April 29th TBD*
Game 7 @Miami Sunday May 1st TBD *

*IF NECESSARY

NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Predictions

(1)Washington over (8)New York in 5
(2)Philadelphia over (7)Buffalo in 6
(3)Boston over (6)Montreal in 7
(5)Tampa Bay over (4)Pittsburgh in 6

NHL Western Conference Quarterfinals Predictions

(1)Vancouver over (8)Chicago in 7
(2)San Jose over (7)Los Angeles in 6
(3)Detroit over (6)Phoenix in 6
(5)Nashville over (4) Anaheim in 7

Sixers Lose Versus Magic Will Face Heat In First Round

The Sixers will be the 7th seed in Eastern Conference Playoffs and will face the 2nd seed in the East the Miami Heat who the Sixers where 0-3 against in the regular season the Sixers will end the season on Wednesday at home versus the Detroit Pistons.

The Phillies Week Ahead

@Nationals April 12th 7pm Joe Blanton vs Livan Hernandez
@Nationals April 13th 7pm Roy Halladay vs John Lannan
@Nationals April 14th 7pm Cliff Lee vs Jordan Zimmermann
vs Marlins April 15th 7pm Roy Oswalt vs Javier Vazquez
vs Marlins April 16th 7pm Cole Hamels vs Anibal Sanchez
vs Marlins April 17th 1:35pm Joe Blanton vs TBD

The Phillies Week In Review

Tuesday lost 7-1 to Mets
Wednesday beat Mets 10-7
Thursday beat Mets 11-0
Friday lost 6-3 to the Braves
Saturday beat Braves 10-2
Sunday beat Braves 3-0

Flyers First Round Schedule

Flyers First Round

Game 1 @Philadelphia Thursday April 14th 7:30pm
Game 2 @Philadelphia Saturday April 16th 5pm
Game 3 @Buffalo Monday April 18th 7pm
Game 4 @Buffalo Wednesday April 20th 7pm
Game 5 @Philadelphia Friday April 22nd 7:30pm*
Game 6 @Buffalo Sunday April 24th 3pm*
Game 7 @Philadelphia Tuesday April 26th TBD*

*if necessary

Flyers Clinch Divison with 7-4 Win Over The Islanders

Sixers Beat Nets 115-90 to Clinch Playoff Spot

Phillies Win Opener 5-4 on Mayberry RBI Single

Oh what way to open the 2011 season. Roy Halladay pitched well going 6 innings striking out 6 and only giving up 1 run he was taken out after the 6th inning after his pitch count was up to 101. The Astros pitcher Brett Myers the former Phillies pitcher pitched well going 7 innings giving up 3 hits and only surrenderers one earned run. Lets fast forward to the bottom of the 9th inning when the Astros brought in closer Brandon Lyon. Jimmy Rollins gets a single,Ryan Howard gets a single, Raul Ibanez pops up to second, Ben Francisco gets a RBI single with Jimmy Rollins scoring to make it 4-3 and Ryan Howard moving up to second, Carlos Ruiz gets a single to load the bases, Wilson Valdez gets tying run in on a RBI single, then John Mayberry comes up to pitch hit and he its a game winning RBI single to center field over the head of Micheal Bourn to win the opener. Danys Baez gets the win and Brandon Lyon gets the loss. What a way to get the first victory in front of 45,237 at Citizens Bank Park. Tonight is Cliff Lee's 2011 season debut and his first start at Citizens Bank Park since Game 5 of the 2009 World Series against the Yankees. The first pitch is scheduled at 7:05 pm

Opening Day Lineup

1.Victorino CF
2.Polanco 3B
3.Rollins SS
4.Howard 1B
5.Ibanez LF
6.Francisco RF
7.Ruiz C
8.Valdez 2B
9.Halladay P

Phillies 2011 Opening Day Roster

Pitchers:
Right-handers:
Danys Baez,
Joe Blanton,
Jose Contreras,
Roy Halladay,
David Herndon,
Kyle Kendrick,
Ryan Madson
Roy Oswalt
left-handers
Antonio Bastardo,
Cole Hamels,
Cliff Lee
J.C. Romero.

Catchers:
Carlos Ruiz
Brian Schneider.

Infielders:
Ryan Howard,
Michael Martinez,
Pete Orr,
Placido Polanco,
Jimmy Rollins
Wilson Valdez.

Outfielders:
Ben Francisco,
Ross Gload,
Raúl Ibañez,
John Mayberry Jr.
Shane Victorino

DL
Brad Lidge
Chase Utley
Domonic Brown
Brian Schlitter

World Series Prediction

Phillies over Red Sox 4 games to 3

NL Playoff and Awards Predictions

NL Divisional Series

(1)Phillies over (3)Reds 3 games to 1
(4)Braves over (2)Rockies 3 games to 2


National League Championship Series

Phillies over Braves 4 games to 2

NL MVP:Carlos Gonzalez,Rockies
NL Cy Young:Roy Halladay,Phillies
NL Manger of The Year:Jim Tracy,Rockies

NL East Preview

1.Phillies
2.Braves*
3.Marlins
4.Mets
5.Nationals

*wild card

Best Player:Roy Halladay,Phillies
Best Pitcher:Roy Halladay,Phillies
Best Manager:Charlie Manuel,Phillies
Most Improved:Nationals

NL Central Preview

1.Reds
2.Cubs
3.Cardinals
4.Astros
5.Brewers
6.Pirates

Best Player: Albert Pujols,Cardinals and Joey Votto,Reds
Best Pitcher: Zack Grienke,Brewers
Best Manager: Dusty Baker,Reds
Most Improved:Cubs

NL West Preview

1.Rockies
2.Giants
3.Dodgers
4.Padres
5.Diamondbacks

Best Player:Carlos Gonzalez,Rockies
Best Pitcher: Tim Lincecum,Giants
Best Manager:Bud Black,Padres
Most Improved:Dodgers

Phillies Cut 2B Luis Castillo

The Phillies have cut 2nd baseman Luis Castillo after only being signed a little more then a week ago. The move means Rule 5 pickup second baseman Micheal Martinez has most likely made the team and Wilson Valdez will start in place of Chase Utley until he gets back sometime in May or June.

Flyers Beat Penguins 5-2

AL Playoffs and Awards

AL Divisional Series

(1)Red Sox over (3)Twins 3 games to 2
(4)Yankees over (2)Rangers 3 games to 2


AL Championship Series

Red Sox over Yankees 4 games to 3

AL Cy Young:David Price, Rays
AL MVP:Josh Hamiltion, Rangers
AL Coach of the Year:Buck Showalter, Orioles

AL East Preview

1.Red Sox
2.Yankees*
3.Orioles
4.Rays
5.Blue Jays

*wild card

Best Player: Evan Longoria,Rays
Best Pitcher: David Price,Rays
Best Manager:Buck Showalter Orioles
Most Improved:Orioles

Sixers Beat Bulls 97-85

AL Central Preview

1.Twins
2.Tigers
3.White Sox
4.Royals
5.Indians

Best Player:Miguel Cabrera,Tigers
Best Pitcher:Justin Verlander, Tigers
Best Manager:Ron Gardenhire,Twins
Most Improved Team: Tigers

AL West Preview

Here is AL West Preview

1.Rangers
2.Angels
3.A's
4.Mariners

MVP(Best Player):Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Cy Young(Best Pitcher):Felix Hernandez,Mariners
Best Manager:Mike Scioscia, Angels
Most Improved Team: Angels

Brad Lidge Most Likely to Start Season on DL

Brad Lidge will likely start the season on the DL with shoulder soreness. Brad will most likely join Chase Utley on the DL. The Phillies will go with Ryan Madson or Jose Contreras at the closer spot.

NCAA Tournament First Day Picks

(5) West Virgina over (12)Clemson
(9) Old Dominion over (8)Butler
(4) Louisville over (13) Morehead State
(7) Temple over (10)Penn State
(4) Kentucky over (3)Princeton
(1) Pittsburgh over (16)North Carolina Ashville
(5) Vanderbilt over (12) Richmond
(2) San Diego St over (15)Northern Colorado
(3) BYU over (14)Wofford
(3) Connecticut over (14)Bucknell
(4) Wisconsin over (13)Belmont
(10)Michigan State over (7)UCLA
(6) St.John's over (11)Gonzaga
(6) Cincinnati over (11) Missouri
(12)Utah State over (5)Kanaas State
(2)Florida over (15)UC Santa Barbara

Flyers Beat Panthers 3-2

Local Teams In NCAA Tourney

The local teams in the 2011 NCAA Tournament are Villanova, Temple and Penn State.

The Villanova Wildcats who are 23-11 are the 9th seed in the East Region and will face the 8th seed George Mason Patriots out of the Colonial Athletic Conference and are 26-6.

The Temple Owls who are 25-7 will be the 7th seed in the West Regional will face fellow local team Penn State who will the 10th seed and are 19-14.

Eagles 2011 Free Agent Market Top 10 Defense

Here are the ideal players the Eagles should pick up when the free agents market opens when they get a deal done with the CBA.

1.Nnamdi Asomugha (OAK)-CB- This is a shutdown cornerback and he will look great with Asante Samuel. He had 19 tackles and 0 INT but QB's almost never throw the ball to him as he is that good.

1A.Eric Weddle- Other then Ed Reed, Troy Polmanu and Nick Collins he is one of the best safeties in the game, he would require a huge contract. He had 96 tackles 2 INT'S and 1 sack.

3.Chris Carr (BAL -CB- Ravens best corner back had 61 tackles and 2 INT's this season.

4.Paul Posluszny (BUF)-LB- The former Nittany Lion would be a great fit in Philadelphia. He had 151 tackles and 2 sacks.

5.Michael Huff (OAK)-S- Had a tough opener but bounced back for 95 tackles 3 INT and 3 sacks would be a great replacement for Mikell.

6.Jonathon Joesph (CIN)-CB-The Beagals did tender him but if the tenders do change he would be a great pick up he had 42 tackles and 3 INT'S.

7.Ike Taylor (PIT)-CB- The Eagles would be smart to add this player he surrendered only one touchdown in 2010 and had 66 tackles and 2 INT'S plus 1 sack.

8.Antonio Cromartie (NYJ)-CB- Again he was tendered by the Jets and as with Joesph will the tender mean anything in the new CBA. Cromartie had 42 tackles and 3 INT'S

9.Manny Lawson (SF)-LB- 59 tackles 3 sacks
10.Gerald Sensabaugh-(DAL)-S- 71 tackles 5 int's 2 sacks

Sixers Beat Rockets 114-105

Flyers Beat Panthers 4-2

Flyers Beat Tampa Bay 4-3 in SO

Peter Laviolette Conference Call About Versteeg

Peter Laviolette Conference Call Transcript – Feb. 14, 2011



On Kris Versteeg

“Just from getting a look at him last year in the finals and then Toronto this year, he’s a young skilled player that will complement the players that we already have up front.”



Q: He seems like a pretty good fit right now with James van Riemsdyk and Mike Richards?

“It could be. I think we’ll get to that point where maybe we get comfortable with some lines. Things have bounced around a little bit. But there’s a chance that we could try that.”



Q: What did you notice about him during the Final last year?

“He’s a tenacious guy that does a lot of things well. He can kill penalties, play on the power play, he can play on the top line, play on the checking line. I think he’s done a little bit of everything. If you look at our lineup and the way it runs, we’re not really comprised of a first line. It’s more we’re built by numbers. I really just think he can come in and provide some more depth to that. Whether he plays with a Giroux, he plays with a Richards… I’m not sure if I’m going to do anything with Briere’s line… He’s an addition to that skill up front. I’m not sure exactly where it’ll fit in line-wise, but I think just more depth.”



Q: Do you think this is an easier deal because you guys didn’t have to give up an established player?

“I know that not having to take something from the locker room will not disrupt anything we had going right now. We’re adding something to a group that’s already established, to a group that’s had some success. A lot of the guys, the core of the guys even last year to a point, obviously want to take the next step, but certainly had some success to play for the Cup… and then even this year, with where we sit in the standings, to not take somebody from that group is really a big key to it. Now we add a young player, 24 years old, you add him into the mix with the Giroux and the Carters and the JVRs and the young core we have going right now, he’s ready to play and help them out. And he’s proven that he can win also. He was a good player for them last year in the playoffs. He contributed in a lot of different ways. He was competitive, he was tenacious, he did a lot of things for them.



Q: Is there somebody you coached or you’ve seen around the league that he reminds you of?

“You know, talking to Homer today on the plane, just a name that came up, I don’t think they’re exact but we just saw him last night – Justin Williams. He does a lot of things, he can kill penalties, play on the power play, he can play with your best players or he can play on a checking line, a lot of different situations… and just aggressive on the puck all the time. When Paul mentioned that, I thought it was a pretty good comparison.”



Q: This is a guy who has a ring as recently as last year. What kind of benefit is that experience going to bring to the locker room?

“I think when you bring in experienced players, I think it helps. But we didn’t have a lot of that last year and we came awfully close. I think our experiences last year we’re going to be able to draw on as well. The players that had not played to that point now have been there. They’ve taken that step to get there. Obviously we’re not satisfied with that and in the end we’re disappointed with it. Adding a guy who has a ring can only help that, but I think this group is pretty determined right now also, along with adding that in.”





Q: Have you thought about the numbers game that you’re going to have with two extra forwards?

“I said it yesterday or a couple days ago, when you’re dealing with numbers, it’s never an easy thing. I don’t make those decisions lightly – you’re talking about people’s livelihood. In the same sense, it’s a business and those decisions have to be made. So they’re tough decisions and we’ll have to do it. But certainly I think adding Kris to the lineup strengthens our mix up front.”



Q: Do you expect Kris to be in the lineup tomorrow night?

“I have not talked to him yet, and I just spoke with Paul briefly tonight. I don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t be in the lineup. I’m not confirming that 100 percent, I haven’t talked to Kris yet. I know he was scrambling to move and try and get things settled. But there’s no problem that I see.”



Q: Can you talk a little bit about the way when Homer sees somebody that he wants, how aggressively he goes after them?

“I think that’s a vision that he has on what he’s looking for from the team. He’s always said he wants to be strong on the back end, and on defense, he goes out and makes a move for Pronger or a move for Kimmo, Braydon Coburn… he made moves this summer. When he knows he wants something, he does act on it. I think because of that, our team and our lineup is a strong lineup. This, again, is just another one of those instances where he felt Kris could really help our lineup. He’s watched him play, and we have a good young player who comes into the mix right now and can help us.





thanks to philly.com

Phillies Rotation Press Conference

Today the Phillies had a press conference with SP's Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt,Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton. Here is the transcript of the press conference.

SCOTT PALMER, Phillies' Director, Public Affairs: Thank you for being with us here today where the Phillies open spring training for the 65th time in this beautiful city. As you can see, we're joined by our starting rotation: Roy Halladay, Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.

Q. Cliff, in December you said you were thrilled to be back. You never wanted to leave in the first place. Now that you're in uniform, it's here, it's real, you're surrounded by these guys, what is going through your mind?

CLIFF LEE: Basically spring training, you know, just preparing for the season. I'm excited to be back.

Obviously, this is a very talented group of guys and I'm just honored to be a part of it. Just preparing for the season. Just standard spring training stuff.

Q. Each of you guys, obviously, has accomplished a lot. But when you watched the others pitch, are there any things that I don't want to say envy you'd like to have from the others repertoire? Roy, I guess this is for each of you.

Something that stands out about the other pitchers and how they go about their business.

ROY HALLADAY: I wish I threw left handed. Yeah, it's fun to watch all of them. Everybody does something different, different ways of pitching.

But I think the main thing is everybody up here works quick. They're aggressive and they go after guys. It's fun to watch guys pitch like that. It kind of keeps you in it. Seeing guys attacking, it's it fun to watch.

Q. Cliff, what are the biggest reasons why you are sitting here today instead of Tampa? Why did you make this decision? Here instead of the Yankees?

CLIFF LEE: Oh, I felt like this was the best chance to win world championships. That's what it's all about.

Obviously, I played here in the past and enjoyed myself here and thought we had a really good team at that time. Since then they've made a couple of additions that I think have made the team that much better. I felt like if I ever got an opportunity to come back and be a part of what's going on here, I would take advantage of it, and that's why.

Q. Cole, you are the only one at this table with a ring. Looking at the guys to your right --

COLE HAMELS: He's got one too.

Q. I'm sorry. With you and Joe together and the other three guys now to your right along with Joe, I guess what are your expectations this year and how confident are you that you can get to where you want to go at the end of the year?

COLE HAMELS: I think every year we've gotten a lot smarter. We've gone against some big acquisitions, and I think that shows that the organization wants to keep pushing the envelope with going out and winning. I think that's kind of what it takes.

A lot of it has to do with us going out there and being ourselves. I think with all of us, and you meet us and seen us play, our personalities are that we love to play this game. We like to play it fast. We're very aggressive.

If we continue to stay healthy, we'll take care of our own business and obviously see what happens in reaching the postseason. When you get to the postseason, it's anybody's game. But now that we have guys that all have postseason experience, it's a good positive feature that we all have.

Q. None of you would be in the positions you are without wanting to be the best. Then when you put the best of the best together, how much do you want to be the best out of this group, and how much do you think that will drive all of you?

CLIFF LEE: To be honest with you, for me, I could care less what the guy ahead of me did. I want to go out there and do the best I can regardless. I hope that we have shutouts every single day. No doubt about it.

Obviously, the better they pitch, the better our team does. That's great. But whether the guy that pitched ahead of me the day before threw a complete game shutout or gave up five in the first inning, I'm still going to go out there and do the same thing. I want to get deep in the game, put up as many zeroes as I can and give the team a chance to win.

That's it for me. I don't try to compete against these guys. I try to compete against the other team. That's the way I look at it. There are a lot of guys that want to one up the next guy. And if that works for you and brings the best out of you, that's great. More power to you.

But personally I don't look at it that way. I'm trying to do what I do regardless of what the guy before me or behind me does.

Q. Given where you were a couple years ago, do you ever just want to pinch yourself to go there and see what could be the best pitching staff?

ROY HALLADAY: Yeah, definitely. A big part of it for me is not having the best pitching staff in history, but having the best chance to get to the postseason and the best chance to win a World Series. To be on a team that has that chance is what every player wants.

I remember five, six years ago wanting to go to Oakland to pitch with Mulder, Zito and Hudson. I think that's something every pitcher wants to be a part of. You want to be a part of a good group like that.

I'm definitely excited. You know, it's why you come to places like this, to be around the best players. This is definitely a great group. But I think the ultimate is if it gives you the best chance to get to the postseason and win a World Series.

Q. You guys have been compared to many great staffs throughout history. I'd like to hear several of you answer this. What is the best staff or the best rotation that you guys can remember, and who would you like to be compared to?

CLIFF LEE: I think we haven't thrown a single pitch as a group yet. So it's kind of early to say we're one of the best rotations in the history of the game.

Obviously, we're a very talented group, and there is potential for all of that. But it's just that, it's potential.

I think the best rotation I can remember is the Braves back with Glavine, Smoltz, Steve Avery and Maddux. I mean, that was, I don't even remember who the fifth guy was, but those four were pretty dang good.

Obviously, being from Arkansas there wasn't really a team to follow, but the Braves were always on TBS and you could watch a lot of their games. I remember watching them, and that was the best rotation I can remember.

Q. Roy, where were you, I believe you were hunting when Cliff Lee signed? Do you remember how you found out? Also, last summer you talked about how maybe you could retire after this season. I know you have an option. With the potential of you pitching another season, does that change your thinking about retirement at all?

ROY OSWALT: Actually, I didn't find out until the next day after he signed. Someone texted me, I think, and said that we signed Cliff. But I don't know how many. I'm going to play this year and see how it goes. I'm going to see where my body's at pretty much and go from there.

I'd like to stay here. I love Philly. I had a great time last year, and hopefully this year will be better. But just kind of see where I'm at during the season.

Q. Roy and Cole, what's it like dealing with this group away from the ballpark? How much time do you guys actually spend conversing with each other on non baseball stuff? What do you like about the camaraderie that seems to go on here?

ROY HALLADAY: We've spent, what, two and a half hours so far (laughing)?

COLE HAMELS: Yeah, we're really tight.

ROY HALLADAY: But, for me, that's what surprised me most about last year coming over with Cole and Joe, you know, even when Roy came over and Jamie, obviously, when he was here, everybody did get along really well. I think that's the big reason why this team is so good. Not only the pitching staff, but the entire team.

I was surprised. It was fun to be around these guys. We all had a lot in common. I think during the season it's a lot of games. You're not always going out to dinner with each other and doing stuff like that. I think the time you do spend together on the field when you're traveling, you get to know guys and you definitely build a bond with them.

COLE HAMELS: I think we do. You'll meet us, or if you haven't met us already, we all have kind of the same values, and that makes it a lot easier for us to really relate and to have conversations. I know we hang out a lot in the outfield during batting practice, so I think that always helps because you're just able to converse and get to know everybody and get a better understanding.

But I think the organization has sensed that and seen that, and that's why they kind of wanted to put us together because we do. We all get along really well. And it does. I think it helps when the good times are really high, and when you get into those rough patches we know how to handle ourselves really well.

Q. The expectations for you guys are as high as they've ever been for the whole team. Would anything less than a World Series win be a disappointment this year?

CLIFF LEE: Obviously, that is the ultimate goal. The first thing you've got to do is get there. We've got to play 162 games to get to the postseason. Once you're in the postseason, yeah, you've got to win the last game to do the ultimate.

It's hard to say right now. It's disappointing not to get a World Series ring, but that's what we're playing for. That's what every team that's in spring training at this point should be playing for. It's why you go out and play the game. That's what it's all about.

I know there are expectations there. We should have expectations in ourselves. I probably expect more out of myself than anyone expects of me. That's just the competitive nature. Yeah, that's the ultimate goal.

There are a lot of things that we have to take care of between now and then to make sure that happens. That's what we've got to focus on. I know there is a lot of hype. Everyone expects this and expects that, but that's in October. It's February right now, so we've got a lot of work to do between now and then to give ourselves the best chance to do that.

That's really all we can do is focus on what can we do today to prepare for tomorrow and let it build up to the World Series. If we're healthy and take care of business, focus on our routines, and what we need to do to prepare, we're going to give ourselves a pretty good chance.

But if we're saying right now we're going to win the World Series, that's kind of getting the cart ahead of the horse. That's not really that's for you guys to say that kind of stuff.

We're focused on spring training, and preparing, and doing everything we need to do. If we do all that, we expect that to happen. But nothing's going to be given to us because we've got a good rotation and great offense and the right people. There's a lot of things that can happen between now and then. So we need to focus on today, and tomorrow focus on tomorrow.

Q. Roy Oswalt, you were part of a great rotation in Houston in the middle of the decade. Couple of great pitchers along with yourself. What did you learn from those guys at that point in your career? Are you at a point now where you can still learn from the guys around you?

ROY OSWALT: I think the biggest thing from Pettite and Clemens is preparation. Those guys had a plan before they got to the field of what they were trying to do during the game.

Their preparation is probably the best thing I picked up from them. You know, step on the field, everyone pitches their own style. You don't really get mechanics or anything like that from anybody on the field. But the preparation is probably the biggest thing from those guys.

I come here and these guys do the same thing. First day I get here, I see 'Doc' and Cole in the video room taking notes on different things they're going to try to do in the game. I think good pitchers that are trying to get better, you try to do every little thing to (No Audio).

Q. You're number three and then some in rotations, now you're number five. What kind of advantage will that give you going against the other team's number five the way you pitched in the past?

JOE BLANTON: I don't know that it will really give an advantage going into the other five. I'm really kind of facing the lineup. Hopefully, the other lineup falls asleep and thinks they have to face these four guys and I'll just kind of slip right in. But, no, it's great to be a part of it. (No Audio).

Q. If you could take us back a little bit to the negotiations that went on last winter, the longest time everybody thought it was a two team race, and nobody even talked about the Phillies. But in your own heart and mind, did you have the Phillies the team that you were going to wind up all the time or did that only happen because the Phillies jumped in and bail a competitive bidder for you?

CLIFF LEE: This is where I'm at right here. That says enough, I think. I could have gotten more money in other places. That really wasn't what it was all about for me. It was really about what team gave me the best chance to win world championships over the life of the contract. I think this is it.

The Rangers were a great team. We went back to the World Series. That could have been a good option too. If we went to the World Series, that could have been a good option too. The Yankees and their history, what they've done, that's a good option. I mean, it was really three pretty good options to be honest with you.

I just honestly stepped back and looked at each team and evaluated. I felt like this is the team that's going to give me the best chance to win a ring, and hopefully multiple rings. But that was what the decision was based on.

Obviously, the fans had a lot to do with it. They sell out every game. A lot of the stadiums were packed. There was a lot of hype every game. It's a great feeling playing in that park, and I wanted to come back and do some more of it.

Q. So it was Phillies all the way then?

CLIFF LEE: I mean, I guess, sure. Sure, yeah. Phillies all the way.

Q. I know it's counter productive at times in this business to have feelings, but is there any part of you you laughed about it, but is there any part of you that feels that people overlook you in this rotation? Do you expect to be here throughout the duration of the season? For the four other guys, is there any part of you that cringes a little bit when people do overlook Joe? Kind of labeled as the Phantastic Phour or whatever?

JOE BLANTON: Me personally, I'm not big on attention, and I don't think these other four guys are either. I don't think they're the one that wants to stand out and say, look, I'm the head of this rotation. It doesn't matter to me. Winning is the biggest part for me.

Like he keeps saying, the opportunity to get to go back, and this is a great opportunity. I like where I'm at.

As far as expectations going somewhere else, it's kind of what I said earlier. Sometimes you can't really think about that. All I'm worried about is going out and trying to win another World Series with Philadelphia. I can't worry about the other part. That is the business part. That is what the people upstairs are for, and they handle that. I love it here. Hope I stay here.

Sometimes that's the nature of the business and things like that happen that are out of your control. Like with Cliff, I'm sure he didn't want to leave or he wouldn't have come back, but it's out of his hands and there wasn't anything he could do about it.

Q. The focus today is on you five guys and the expectations are right through the charts. What is your expectation for the eight guys that are going to be on the field, behind you, and helping you win these games?

CLIFF LEE: What is our expectations for the other guys that are on the field, is that what you're asking?

Q. Yeah. How do you think the eight guys behind you are going to measure up to the expectations that you've given to what this team can be?

CLIFF LEE: I really don't know how to answer that, but I'm going to try. I'm going to say I he hope they prepare and come in and do everything they need to do to prepare. If they do that, our talent should play out.

We've got good pitching, we've got a good bullpen, we've got a good offense, and we play good defense. If everyone comes in prepared and does what they need to do each day to get ready for the game and takes care of business, good things should happen.

It's not about us five or those eight or whatever. It's 25 guys. We've all got to contribute. If we all do our work and prepare each day and carry our weight, good things should happen. We should match up pretty well.

Q. Who among you is the best hitter?

CLIFF LEE: That's me (laughing). No, I don't know.

COLE HAMELS: I'm going to compete against him. I think Joe's the only one with a home run. Oh, I forgot, I forgot. Yours wasn't in the World Series, sorry.

Q. Cole and Joe have the World Series rings and from '08. Do you have an appreciation of how unusual it is for a team to be able to acquire really an ace four times. Oswalt and Halladay, just in the year since you've won the World Series. How rare that is to get this assembled?

COLE HAMELS: Yeah, in the same time in '08, we were able to get Joe which was a huge help for us, and Joe was number one in Oakland. All of a sudden you add that, and we win the World Series. Being able to trade for Cliff, the same situation with getting Joe. That was pretty spectacular in itself, then getting Doc in the trade, Oswalt again. I mean, the organization has done a phenomenal job of getting guys. Because it is, everybody really talks about in the postseason it's all about pitching. We have guys with postseason experience, and you want that.

I think we're just fortunate enough to be in this sort of situation, because I know when I was drafted by the Phillies, the whole team's almost completely different. Everything evolves, and we're able to kind of pick apart a team and then get a few of the top guys throughout the league and put them all together.

Just going out there to enjoy ourselves and to compete. We're all very deep and competitors. So we're just going to go and get ready for spring training the best we possibly can, and enjoy it. Because I think we have the understanding that being together is just going to be something that's going to be fun.

Q. You were the World Series MVP, won a World Series. Some guys after that would say, 'okay, I'm the man.' And all Ruben has done is add aces after that. What's it say about you and this team that everyone checks their egos at the door and allows this to work? Because this sometimes can't work where everybody wants attention, everybody wants to be the man?

COLE HAMELS: That's why I think the organization's done a really good job of getting players that don't have the egos. I've never looked at myself as ever having an ego.

Just being able to add guys that are good, because I am young. If I can learn from these guys, I feel like I can get better. That is the whole idea is to get better and compete at another level. Enjoy the moments that we get to play baseball because that's why we're here. We love this game so much, and the ultimate goal is to go to the World Series.

Joe and I obviously have rings, but we want to get another one and another one after that. So that's just why we're sitting here is to get that ring and to eventually try to just play baseball as long as we possibly can.

Q. I know you're the youngest of this group, but you are the longest tenured Phillie. When you were drafted and a young minor leaguer, the team was kind of an also ran. When they got into the new stadium there were pitchers that said they're not going to attract a pitcher to this ballpark. Now you look to your right and look at the talent that you have attracted, the Phillies have attracted. Do you ever marvel at that kind of evolution?

COLE HAMELS: You have to. I think that's why when you're able to have the offense that we have, that attracts guys knowing that if you're able to pitch well, the offense will put up a lot of runs and give you a good opportunity. We're able to do that. We're able to get the fans.

The fans have been behind us 100%. I think everyone here can attest to that. Seeing the excitement in Philadelphia and seeing them come out to different ballparks, they really do.

It's been an enjoyment. I think I've been able to see that transformation. And I'm going to take it for all it's worth because Philadelphia's a great baseball town.

Q. There have been a bunch of nicknames thrown out for you so far. I know you haven't had a chance to put your heads together. But is there any one that might stick or should stick or something that you would call yourselves?

CLIFF LEE: What are our nicknames, anyway? What are they?

Q. (No Audio).

CLIFF LEE: All those add up to four it seems like, and there's five of us. So I haven't heard one that sounded any good yet.

Q. (No Audio)?

CLIFF LEE: You've got to come up with it. We haven't heard one with five included yet.

COLE HAMELS: That's why we have the fans. They come up with something good. They always do.

CLIFF LEE: Whatever. We don't get caught up in that kind of stuff, really to be honest with you. That's for the media to come up with, and the fans to enjoy and sell t-shirts whatever they've got to do. We could care a less about the nicknames. Bottom line for us is just winning.

Q. Those Atlanta Braves stats that you were referring to before, those pitchers would talk about how there would be a natural competition that would settle between each of the guys and how it would manifest itself on a day to day basis. For your personalities would you feed off that?

COLE HAMELS: They were talking about their golf game. They're really good golfers, I don't know about us. But I think knowing that every guy can come in and do a phenomenal job pitching, can go nine innings, can throw shutouts, it just kind of eases some of the tension in a sort of retrospect of you don't have to be the man.

We are true competitors. We're going to try to do the best we possibly can. But at the same time I don't think we have to put any other stress on it. That may be the easiest fact.

Q. I know it's been a couple months since you signed. Putting the uniform back on today though, is there any element of surprise left that you're back with Philly? And secondly going back to those negotiations, who was it that you first heard from in the Phillies organization, the initial phone call in the free agent derby and when you knew you could return here? What was your reaction at the time?

CLIFF LEE: What was the first question again?

Q. Any element of surprise left?

CLIFF LEE: No, I'm not surprised at all. I've known I was a Phillie since I signed. More anticipation and anxious and ready to get here. Excited to be a part of it and get it going, yeah. But not surprised.

The first person I heard from was my agent who was talking to Ruben, yeah, and Scott Proefrock, those guys had a big part of that.

The first person I talked to, I believe, was Ruben after I made my decision to sign here. But I wasn't really in that process. It was more my agent and working that stuff out. I'm glad they were able to get that done.

Q. (No Audio)?

CLIFF LEE: I like Philly cheese steaks, but that had nothing to do with me coming back to Philadelphia (laughing).

Q. You got a taste last year of the postseason, and it would be tough to perform any better than you did. I'm wondering, in the off season was it more difficult to accept that you got so close to the World Series and fell short? Was it easier in the days when you didn't make it to the postseason like mentally and emotionally during the long winter?

ROY HALLADAY: No, it was definitely harder this year. A lot of us are to the point in our career where you feel like the biggest thing left for you to do is win a championship, whether you've already done it or you haven't.

That was my only goal going into last year was to try and win a World Series. So coming close and coming up short is definitely hard. It's disappointing. You have your heart set on that all year. Obviously, like Cliff said earlier, you have to focus on the job at hand to get there, but it's definitely hard.

That being said, it's my ultimate goal again this year is to win a world championship, not forgetting about the steps that it's going to take to get there.

That's why I still want to play this game. I want to be part of a world championship team. That is the biggest thing for me, and, yeah, it would be tough if we got close again and didn't win it.

Q. Could you reflect on kind of the roller coaster nature of last year with the trade, the injury early in the season, the struggling team. Another trade and then you're in the World Series and the free agency, and how nice it is to have that past you and have the stability of looking forward and knowing where you're going to be?

CLIFF LEE: Yeah, last year I got traded from Philly to Seattle to start the season out. There were a lot of expectation there for that organization. I started off the season hurt, like you said. That's never good when you're first with an organization and you start out on the injury list. That's not sending a good sign to them. So I wasn't happy about that.

Fortunately, it didn't last long. I missed a few starts, got with the team, and I pitched well, but the team didn't perform as expected. Things like that happen.

Fortunately, I was able to be traded to a team that was in a good position with the Rangers. They were in first place and in good position to make the postseason. Obviously did that and got a chance to go back to the World Series. So it was a great experience for me. After that, obviously, free agent and here I go again with the Phillies.

Yeah, looking back I enjoyed it. I enjoyed every benefit it from Cleveland to here to Seattle to Texas. I'm glad I got to go through that. To get to experience different organizations and how each organization does things a little bit different.

Get to play with some of the best players in the game from Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore in Cleveland, to here with Ryan Howard, Utley, Cole.

Obviously, to Seattle with Ichiro, and Felix Hernandez, and then to Texas with Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Mike Young, I mean, some of the best players in the game. It was a great experience.

Without being traded, I never could have gotten to do any of that. I would have still been with the Indians and then free agency. I was glad to get those opportunities to bounce around and play with different organizations, get to play in back to back World Series with two different teams.

It was a fun ride, and hopefully I'll get a chance to be a little more stable about that process and get to experience some more World Series with this team hopefully multiple times. I definitely want that ring. That's what it's all about.

Like Roy said, that is the ultimate goal, but there is a process you have to go through to get there. We're not going to lose sight of that. That is definitely the ultimate prize, and that's what we're hungry for and that's what we want. That's what every single team in baseball should be thinking the same thing right now.

At this point in time, we're all even. That's why you play the games. If you're looking too far down the road, you're getting in trouble. That definitely is the ultimate goal, but we've got to keep our sights close and what can we do today to prepare for tomorrow and so forth.

Q. You had said that the Phillies were the team that you really wanted to work with. You also said that Ruben was the first person to talk to your agent, I guess it was. How far along in the process was that? Was there a point where you said to your agent let's engage the Phillies in thing and let them know I want to go there, or was that never part of the equation?

CLIFF LEE: Obviously, for me to be a Philly there was a point in time where I said talk to the Phillies I want to go there. I don't remember the timeline. I'm not going to break down the timeline of when I was talking to this team and that team and so forth.

It's the first time I was a free agent. I enjoyed the process. It was a learning experience, and a lot of fun in my opinion.

But, yeah, there was obviously a point in time where I said engage the Phillies. Let's make that happen, otherwise I wouldn't be here. I hope that answers your question.

Q. It just seemed like they were late in the process?

CLIFF LEE: They were definitely late in the process. They were that. They kept it hush hush. I think that helped their chances. Obviously it worked out. The way they went about it, nobody really knew what was going on until the last second, and it was beneficial because it worked.

It wasn't publicized. There wasn't media coverage of all that. I think that's the way it should be done. In my opinion, there's way too much out in the media of negotiations and stuff like that. That's stuff that should be private, and that's how it was in this instance.

Flyers Acquire Kris Versteeg From Maple Leafs

The Flyers have acquired (RW) Kris Versteeg from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 1st and 3rd round pick in 2011 Draft. Versteeg 24, was a member of the 2010 Stanley Cup winning Blackhawks was traded to the Leafs in the off season. This season he has 14 goals and 21 assists.

Sixers Beat Spurs 77-71

Flyers Beat Hurricanes 2-1

Super Bowl Prediction

Packers over Steelers 21-17

Flyers Beat Stars 3-1

Sixers Beat Knicks 100-98

Flyers Beat Predators 3-2

Eagles Name Defensive Coordinator

The Eagles have found their man and its a shocker and a familiar one to Eagles fans its OFFENSIVE line coach Juan Castillo,Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports Juan Castillo will move from offensive line coach to defensive coordinator. Long-time Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd will take over the offensive line duties. The Eagles will have a press conference at 6:30 pm to announce the decision. Castillo 51 who graduated out of Texas A&L in 1984, has been with Eagles since 1995, he has held positions such as offensive assistant, tight ends coach, offensive line coach, and now defensive coordinator.

Flyers Beat Blackhawks 4-1 on Sunday

NFC and AFC Championship Sunday Predictions

NFC
Green Bay over Chicago 21-17

AFC
NY Jets over Pittsburgh 14-10

Villanova Beats Syracuse 83-72

Sixers Beat Utah 96-85

Dick Jauron Joins Browns As Defensive Coordinator

Dick Jauron will join the Cleveland Browns as their defensive coordinator, Jauron who was the Eagles secondary coach was considered the front runner for the vacant Eagles defensive coordinator job will take the job in Cleveland.

Flyers Beat Senators 6-2

Flyers Beat Rangers 3-2

Philadelphia Flyers goals scored by:

Jeff Carter (19)
Ville Leino (11)
Mike Richards(15)

2011 Phillies Spring Training TV Schedule

March 6th vs. Tampa Bay Rays 1:05 MYPHL17. (split-squad game)
March 10th vs. New York Yankees 1:05 The Comcast Network
March 12th vs. Tampa Bay Rays 1:05 CSN (split-squad game)
March 13th @ Minnesota Twins 1:05 MYPHL17
March 19th @ Baltimore Orioles 1:05 The Comcast Network
March 20th vs. New York Yankees 1:05 CSN
March 21st vs. Boston Red Sox 1:05 The Comcast Network
March 26th vs. Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 MYPHL17 (split-squad game)
March 27th @ Atlanta Braves 1:05 The Comcast Network
March 28th vs. Houston Astros 1:05 CSN
March 30th vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 4:05 The Comcast Network (game played at Citizens Bank Park)

Games on radio TBA.
ESPN may select some games at a later date.

NFL Divisonal Weekend Sunday's Picks

NFC
(2) Bears over (4) Seahawks
AFC
(1)Patriots over (6) Jets

Eagles Fire Defensivie Coordinator Sean McDermott

The Eagles have let go defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. No word on any replacements. More to come when it's available.

Flyers Beat Thrashers 5-2

Sixers Beat Milwaukee 95-94

NFL Divisonal Weekend Saturday Predictions

AFC
(2)Pittsburgh Steelers over (5) Baltimore Ravens

NFC
(1)Atlanta Falcons over (6)Green Bay Packers

National Championship Prediction

Auburn over Oregon 34-31, the game is tonight 8:30pm ESPN.

Wildcard Weekend Sunday Picks

AFC
(5) Ravens over (4) Cheifs
NFC
(3) Eagles over (6) Packers

Dallas Green's 9 Year Old Granddaughter Killed in Arizona

LINK

This is from the article

Christina-Taylor came from a family of baseball players. Her grandfather, former major-league pitcher Dallas Green, was team manager for the Philadelphia Phillies when they won the World Series in 1980

Wildcard Weekend Saturday Picks

NFC
(5)Saints over (4) Seahawks
AFC
(6) Jets over (3)Colts

NFL Wildcard Weekend Schedule

Saturday, January 8

NFC: 4:30 PM (ET)
New Orleans at Seattle NBC

AFC: 8:00 PM (ET)
New York Jets at Indianapolis NBC

Sunday, January 9

AFC: 1:00 PM (ET)
Baltimore at Kansas City CBS

NFC: 4:30 PM (ET)
Green Bay at Philadelphia FOX

Eagles Playoff Matchup

The Eagles will face the Green Bay Packers at 4:15pm next Sunday at the Linc.